Green Globetrotting With Ecofabulous

Date: May 20, 2008 | Category: Beauty, Body Care, Holiday & Gift, Lifestyle, Skin Care, Transport, Travel

In the quest of the traveler to tread ever so lightly, we’ve gathered it all - from resources and guides to carbon offsets, our favorite destinations, travel accessories and essentials - so that the next time you say “bon voyage,” you can feel assured you’re respecting the globe that you’ll be traipsing over.

ECOFABULOUS DESTINATIONS

This Fiji destination is my all time favorite get away. Besides employing locals and keeping their sustainable traditions alive, the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort helps to protect and revive the surrounding sea. The beautifully appointed bures (individual thatched houses) respect local building practices and utilize Fiji’s own sustainable resources. The villa is so spectacular that it has garnered many awards. The warm and wonderful natives keep everything running…perfectly. Though the diving is a main attraction (after all, this is the soft coral capital of the world), the reef walks and boat excursions are exhilarating and informative. And the food. Oh the food. The Indian-influenced fusion cuisine is to be envied internationally. JMCR is undeniably romantic but there is a world class kid’s program that my children rave about continuously!

Located on 400 square miles in the heart of Maasai country, Campi ya Kanzi offers gourmet-quality meals, wildlife tracking with Maasai guides and scenic flights around Kilimanjaro. Not only does the beautiful camp ensure employment, it also supports the Maasai Foundation, which provides a range of health and educational services for locals. The eco-luxe camp combines charcoal-fired cookery with solar power and hot water heaters - a wonderful marriage of traditional life and modern sensibilities. A pretty awesome and honest way to experience Africa.

Contemporary luxury meets sustainable development at the Natural Retreats locations spread throughout the national parks in the UK countryside. As of yet, eco-getaways can be found nestled among nature within Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia, Lake District and York Moors with plans for ten more sites in the near future. Who ever said the nature explorer couldn’t also bask in luxury - and without a detriment to the environment?

Sacred Sands Guest Retreat brings the sustainability of straw to California’s Joshua Tree vista. This B&B uses straw bale construction - an energy-efficient (excellent insulator), plentiful, non-toxic alternative to conventional construction materials - to create their gorgeous guest rooms. Kick back in your private spa to enjoy the desert sunset and nap in the sun or sleep under the stars on your very own terrace - complete with a meditation platform. Peace.

Located in majestic Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn’s sustainably built 40-room sprawling (read private) property is a coastal dream for romantic, relaxation seekers (the green roofs are extraordinary!). Long touted as one of the best resorts in the world, their new rooms are a model of environmental stewardship with great attention to aesthetics and amenities. Post Ranch supports conservation measures and works to protect the local flora and fauna. Swap your TV and alarm clock for a fireplace and an astronomy lesson at Post Ranch Inn - and a spectacular view of the Pacific. Luxurious spa treatments, a world-renowned restaurant, shaman work and nature walks are just a few of the reasons that guests cannot help returning. Hop in your Prius or Tesla, because it is just modest drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Built of traditional desert materials, foregoing electricity and telephones, Adrere Amellal is a unique lodge in the Siwa Oasis in Western Egypt that is absolutely breathtaking. The magnificent jagged ruins of Shali Fortress dominate the atmosphere of the town of Siwa. This earthy destination may blend into its environment, but is marked by distinction: it’s one of the few destinations in the world that has kept an authentic feeling of culture and ecology while providing true luxury.

The Lodge At Sunranch is an incredibly intimate eco-luxury experience in southwestern Montana. Sourcing from local producers and artisans and with a farm-to-table culinary experience, this ranch offers an unusual brand of pampered seclusion nestled in the cinematically breathtaking Madison River Valley. A dude ranch that even true eco-stylistas will tip their hats to.

ECOFABULOUS SPA RETREATS

In need of some serious R&R, holistically speaking? Luckily, the green spa movement is cultivating a growing list of fabulous centers dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint. Think organic and natural skincare products, facilities designed in a way that respect nature, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning materials and countless measures taken to reduce waste and foster sustainability. Add to that, a relaxing and luxurious experience where nature takes center stage, and your worries will simply melt away (for a week anyhow).

In the spirit of green, here are our domestic picks. For more spas and centers that span the globe, visit the Green Spa Network and the Spa Index.

The Kura Door: Holistic Japanese Spa -
With an entirely toxin-free environment realized through chemical-free paints and finishes, untreated wood, bamboo and stone flooring underfoot, building-wide water and air purification systems and 100% natural and organic body and skin care line, the Kura Door in Salt Lake City Utah is as holistic as it is decadent. With unique Japanese-inspired services such as the Green Tea and Ginger Sea Enzyme Body Wrap and the Ofuro Bath, I’m ready to drink it in.

El Monte Sagrado - This Taos, New Mexico retreat goes above and beyond in both style and sustainability. All water is reused to irrigate the grounds via the “living machine” purification system, geothermal and solar provide energy and spa treatments are crafted using indigenous plants, flowers and minerals. Think lush and indulgent with a “beyond organic” twist.

Rancho La Puerta - The world’s first destination spa opened its doors in 1940 in Tecate (on the Mexico/California border) and was lovingly created and designed by two people who firmly believed in habitat conservation, organic farming and sustainable living. These principles have tested time and are only surpassed by the plethora of activities, spa services and exquisite cuisine Rancho La Puerta offers.

GETTING THERE…AND BACK

Chances are you’ll be hitting the friendly skies, boarding a bus or renting a car in your travels: not so CO2 sensitive. As we always say, carbon offsets are not a panacea, but when it comes to travel - we’re offsetters, not foregoers. Purchasing offsets allows you to take responsibility for your decadence and put your dollars towards environmental initiatives, usually tree-planting or renewable energies. For example, a round-trip flight from SFO to JFK (5,165 miles) generates 2,014 lbs of CO2 and will cost you $14.85 to offset through Terrapass. Be wary, not all offsets are created equal: They vary in their environmental effectiveness and legitimacy (and price!). SavingSpecies, Terrapass and Carbon Fund are our tried-and-true favorites.

That said, when vacationing, consider renting bikes instead of cars. Think leisurely ride through the countryside, or whatever beautiful destination you’ve chosen (dirt bikes are messy fun too). A bike ride is sure to be more memorable than a drive anyhow. But if you’re road-tripping it or simply must have four wheels, it’s getting easier and easier to rent a hybrid (though destinations are still limited). Go to Orbitz: Go Green, Save Green to search for available hybrids through all the major rental agencies. And as a last eco-resort, go for those carbon offsets: Enterprise, Alamo and National even offer them to customers.

If you’re in New York, OzoCar is your ticket to green transportation, but in New England or the Bay Area, PlanetTran could be your way to and from the airport. If you’re in LA, Econation is perfect, VIP style. If you’re in Portland, EcoShuttle provides van, limo and shuttle services powered solely with Biodiesel. To read more on “Eco-Friendly Car Rentals, Limos and Taxi Services,” get the rundown from this article at Low Impact Living.

ECO-SSENTIAL TRAVEL GEAR

FOR THE WAITING WANDERER

Bring along a copy of Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime which includes 82 trips across the globe that range from revisiting old American favorites, such as the Grand Canyon, to researching turtles in Australia. This Lonely Planet “inspirebook” isn’t just for the shoestring backpacker (or the cruise-going countess) - it targets travelers all along the spending spectrum who are interested in positively contributing to the destinations economy and respecting the local culture while expanding their own minds. And is printed on 100% recycled paper with non-GMO soy-based inks.

FOR THE BACTERIA VANQUISHING EXPLORER

You never know when a little hand sanitizer will come in handy. Throw in a travel size of Organic EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer - the best smelling, most effective alternative to the chemically-laden stuff that dominates the market. It comes in a spray and handy wipes if you prefer. EO also has travel sizes of their environmentally friendly, excellent shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion.

FOR THE THIRSTY TRAVELER

Depending on where you’re traveling and the quality of the water, ditch the plastic water bottles and strap on your Earthlust or a Kleen Kanteen. Do your part to reduce the 30 million plastic water bottles Americans add to landfill every single day! If the water is questionable however, a travel water filter is your best bet and can have you easily sipping safe H2O from all corners of the globe.

FOR THE FULLY EQUIPPED TRAVEL MAVEN

The Spring/Summer bag collection from LeSportsac designed by one of our favorite sires of fashion Stella McCartney will have you traveling in absolute ecofabulous style. Vegans have always loved this mega bag maven for their fun, leather free alternatives, but here we have a truly eco-friendly line made entirely from recycled materials. Looking for luggage that blends form, function and sustainability? Stella’s got it in the bag.

FOR THE HOTTEST ECOFASHIONISTA ON THE BEACH

Junglegurl’s one-of-a-kind bikinis are a sun goddess’ dream (that’s to say they show a lot of skin). The simple designs utilize designer Natalie Golonka’s vintage fabrics that she’s collected during her extensive world travels, and bring us the chicest eco-friendly bikinis around. You’ll love your body in a Junglegurl suit.

The sun is out and the vacation circuit has begun, but what do you do to protect your eyes without hurting the planet? I recommend a pair of vintage shades, but if you are concerned about the UV protection or cannot find the right look, check out iWood Aviator sunglasses.

I love summer but can’t stand mosquitoes! What is a nature loving, blood protecting girl supposed to do! Sunfeather Bug Off! has come up with a multitude of ways to arm yourself naturally against pests. Using ingredients such as blends of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass and geranium essential oils (all of which are Mother Nature’s insect repellents) Bug Off! makes it easy to put down the deet.

UV Natural Sunscreen. Ranked #1 by the Environmental Working Group, Daryl Hannah bought me my first tube of this awesome Australian product and I haven’t been able to use anything since. Great for both adults and kids, this product is a must have in your travel kit (they also have child-specific options).

FOR THE HUNGRY, HEALTHY ADVENTURER

Pack in the One Lucky Duck Snack Sampler for emergency nibbles on the go. They are raw, incredibly delicious, organic vegan treats made by the proprietor of Pure Food and Wine, the hippest raw restaurant in New York. The macaroons (blonde or chocolate) are particularly yummy and satiating, but the rest are mouth watering as well.

FOR THE GEEKOFABULOUS TREKKER

Wherever their is sunlight - whether kayaking down the Nile, meditating in an Indian ashram or sailing through the Caribbean - no need to be at the mercy of the grid when you need to bust out the laptop or charge your MP3s and mobiles. Not when we’re toting around portable SolarRolls and generating electricity that can power any number of devices at your convenience. It’s a thrill to just roll those photovoltaic cells out and plug into the sun’s pure, unadulterated energy.

Make sure you check out the HYmini handheld, hybrid power station for your 5-volts (like mp3s, mobiles, PDAs and cameras). With the ability to harness wind-power, sun-power (using their miniSOLARSs) and plain, old wall-power - you can pretty much guarantee that no matter where you are in the world, you can keep your devices running. This is a gadget for your gadgets!

WANT MORE… ECOFABULOUS’ FAVORITE ONLINE DESTINATIONS FOR GREEN TRAVEL

itsagreenworld.com is a global listing of eco-friendly hospitality destinations

greenglobetrotter.blogspot.com is a one-woman blog chock-full of great info and resources

sustainabletravelinternational.org provides the tool for those who really want to get schooled in eco-travel

gobeyondgreen.org is up to date on the latest in environmetally-friendly and eco-progressive travel

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